Hangar K, the dynamic co-creation hub in Kortrijk for start-ups, scale-ups & established companies
About this good practice
Problem: Lack of ecosystem for local entrepreneurship in favor of -mostly digital- start-ups and scale-ups
The Kortrijk region faces several challenges:
● Brain drain
● Scarcity of suitable space for startups
● Right environment for cross-pollination and innovation
● Demand for spaces that foster digital and technological innovation
Solution: A co-creation hub and incubator
The City of Kortrijk set up a complete renovation and repurposing of an old train warehouse of 4200 m². Hangar K was founded by City of Kortrijk, Barco, Cronos Group, Unilin, Howest, UGent, KU Leuven, Vives and Start it @KBC. Hangar K aims to support entrepreneurship and high potentials in the digital and creative industries. It inspires graduates to start businesses, guides start-ups in growth, and helps scale-ups leverage corporate networks, focusing on digital, EdTech, gaming, and creative sectors. Hangar K serves as an ecosystem for innovation and collaboration, hosting a diverse community of renowned companies, start-ups and scale-ups, academia, business partners, public actors (City of Kortrijk, Flemish government, Leiedal ...) and students. Beneficiaries are start-ups and young entrepreneurs who get connected to the right partners and experts, which can accelerate their growth and increase their chances of success. The community of like-minded people offers mutual support and collaboration opportunities. Hangar K also inspires through various sessions and professional networks.
Resources needed
Kortrijk invested in the repurposing of the former warehouse and made it available for free during the first years. The main partners pay a yearly fee. Companies pay a monthly rent for their seats. Hangar K became selfsustaining, employing 5 to 6 people to run the organization and community.
Evidence of success
Hangar K serves as a co-creation hub that connects renowned companies, start-ups and scale-ups, academia, business and public actors. Economic impact after the first 5 years:
192 start-ups are active in 11 countries.
Nearly 100 student entrepreneurs have found their way here.
Hangar K houses two hubs: Gaming and EdTech.
Hangar K hosted the regional edition of Flanders Technology and Innovation.
Hangar K became part of Hubs4Growth that unites the 5 leading startup and innovation hubs in Flanders.
Potential for learning or transfer
For regions suffering a certain brain drain and a lack of space for entrepreneurs, Hangar K is a good example of an incubator that works within the concept of the quadruple helix. In this way the common interests are combined, fostering creativity, innovation, digitisation, growth and employment. For the transfer and the adaptation to other regional particularities there are no specific structural requirements. Hangar K shows that an incubator can become self-sufficient after a certain time.
Further information
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.